Lorenzana: AFP chief’s tour of duty should be extended

From Malaya Business Insight (Nov 7): Lorenzana: AFP chief’s tour of duty should be extended

DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana yesterday said he is going to recommend to President Duterte the extension of the tour of duty of AFP chief Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero who is due to retire next month.

Interviewed in Camp Aguinaldo after the celebration of the 78th foundation anniversary of the Department of National Defense, Lorenzana said it would be unfair to Guerrero to be given only about two months to serve as AFP chief.

Guerrero assumed the post on October 26, replacing Eduardo Año who reached the retirement age of 56. Guerrero, of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1984, is due to reach the mandatory retirement age on December 17.

“It’s unfair if you are going to give him only two months. Give him a longer time so that he can accomplish something,” said Lorenzana. “When he took over last October 26, I was asked if I will (recommend extension), I will,” Lorenzana said.

But President Duterte still has the final say, Lorenzana added.

Guerrero is said to be close to the Duterte family.

Lorenzana, in an October 26 interview, said the prevailing martial law in Mindanao could be enough justification to extend Guerrero’s term.

Martial law was declared shortly after the Maute Group attacked Marawi City on May 23.

Among possible contenders to the top AFP position are AFP Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez and Army chief Lt. Gen. Rolando Bautista, both members of the PMA Class 1985.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/lorenzana-afp-chief%E2%80%99s-tour-duty-should-be-extended